1. Keeping the Church Pure
New Testament Church

2. The church and purity
Pure – unpolluted, undiluted. Clean, free of adulterating matter.
In this lesson – a desire to keep the church unpolluted and undiluted to what God intends for her to be
A Pure church is one that has NOT been corrupted by worldly influences, either within or without

3. The church and purity
Christ died to purify the church Ephesians 5:25-27, He gave Himself for her to sanctify and cleanse her…to present her to Himself, a glorious church, without spot or wrinkle
2 Corinthians 11:2, Paul labored to present her “a chaste virgin”
1 Corinthians 5:6-8, a little leaven…

4. Keeping the church pure
Members have a responsibility
We are the church, 1 Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 5:30, we are members of His body…
We are where purity begins, Matthew 5:8, 2 Timothy 2:22 1 Peter 1:22, 1 John 3:3

5. Keeping the church pure
Members have a responsibility
We have been cleansed, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 6: John 1:7, Romans 6 we have put on the new man, we cannot continue in sin!
We seek to live pure lives, 1 Peter 1:15-16, 2 Corinthians 7:1

6. Keeping the church pure
Members have a responsibility
Churches are affected by the impurity of its members
Corinth, 1 Corinthians 5:1-8
Pergamos tolerated immorality, Revelation 2:14-16
Thyatira allowed false teaching Revelation 2:20-23
Laodicea, Revelation 3:15-19
ALL were called to repent!

7. Keeping the church pure
Members have a responsibility
James 1:27, Pure and undefiled religion
The purity of the church has a direct correlation to the purity of its members!

8. Keeping the church pure
Preachers have a responsibility
Responsible to impart the word of God. To help keep the church pure
Preach when needed 2 Timothy 4:2-3
Expose works of darkness Ephesians 5:11 Expose impurities and sinful conduct and DANGERS! Include false doctrine

9. Keeping the church pure
Preachers have a responsibility
He is to be an example to the flock of purity – 1 Timothy 4:6, 12-16
“Keep yourself pure” 1 Timothy 5:22
He MUST preach in love – Ephesians 4:15, 1 Timothy 4:12, 6:11, 2 Tim. 1:7, etc.
Far too many today fail to address immorality and false doctrine.

10. Keeping the church pure
Elders have a responsibility
Proven character – 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9
Watch for “wolves” Acts 20:26-31
Able to convict those who contradict, Titus 1:9-11
Far too many fail to discipline, take measures to ensure purity. Call for and defend sound doctrine. Fail to ground the flock!

11. Keeping the church pure
Discipline
A congregation is to deal with those who are living immorally or teaching error – 1 Corinthians 5:1-7
Reject a divisive man Titus 3:10-11
Note those who cause divisions, Romans 16:17
This is CRUCIAL in keeping the church pure (more next week)

12. Keeping the church pure
Zeal
We need to be “on fire” for the Lord. Enthusiastic for Him and His body
2 Corinthians 7:10-11, Corinth demonstrated their repentance, dealing with sinfulness in their midst
We are to be zealous for good works, Titus 2:14
Example: Jesus cleansing the temple, John 2:13-17

13. Keeping the church pure
Zeal
Complacency and indifference can cause us to let down our guard, fail to adequately equip ourselves, and let impurities creep or drift in.

14. Jesus died to purify His body! What are we doing to keep her pure?